what is the difference between introspection and self-absorption?

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serious question

sparked by seeing Cat Stevens' music described as "introspective" and immediately thinking that from another angle it could be dismissed as prototypical 70s self-absorption

the Whiney G. Weingarten Memorial 77 Clique (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:11 (fifteen years ago)

I'm glad you brought this question to ILX.

http://tinyurl.com/koalalala (Pleasant Plains), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:12 (fifteen years ago)

The difference between looking and absorbing?

Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es. (Michael White), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:13 (fifteen years ago)

this question reminds me of a joke

whats the difference between a prostitute and a whore?

a prostitute is a person who has sex for money, and your mother is a whore.

O_o-O_0-o_O (jjjusten), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:14 (fifteen years ago)

Introspective:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YyackLxSzQM/SGcj3anRZ7I/AAAAAAAABHc/xncQ5MRMoQs/s400/Pet_Shop_Boys_-_Introspective_HQ_-_Front.jpg

vs

self-absorbed:

http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/t/the-smiths/album-meat-is-murder.jpg

otherwise, and twat (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:14 (fifteen years ago)

hahahahahaha jjj

Baron Strange of Knockin (DJP), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:14 (fifteen years ago)

lol

the Whiney G. Weingarten Memorial 77 Clique (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:17 (fifteen years ago)

self-absorption is introspection that impairs one's ability to relate to anyone and anything outside one's own head

but also: a person is generally his or her own worst judge of when he/she is impaired

Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:20 (fifteen years ago)

I am thoughtfully introspective, the rest of the world is egomaniacally self-absorbed.

Ned Raggett, Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:22 (fifteen years ago)

self-absorption is introspection that impairs one's ability to relate to anyone and anything outside one's own head

so it's just a question of degree

the Whiney G. Weingarten Memorial 77 Clique (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:22 (fifteen years ago)

yeah, imo

Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:23 (fifteen years ago)

Self-absorbed people aren't necessarily introspective, I've found. Promoting and worrying about one's self are such grueling tasks that these people often lack the time for introspection.

otherwise, and twat (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:24 (fifteen years ago)

I'm not sure self-absorption is the best term for that state though, Alfred.

Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:26 (fifteen years ago)

in my mind (heh), introspection can encompass one thinking about how they impact others, how their thoughts and actions harm or help people, etc... whereas with self-absorption you're so far up your own ass other people only factor in for what they can do for you.

hope this helps (Granny Dainger), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:27 (fifteen years ago)

I'm not sure self-absorption is the best term for that state though, Alfred.

"Assholism" works fine too.

otherwise, and twat (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:30 (fifteen years ago)

Was going to say self-aggrandizement, but yeah.

Unfrozen Caveman Board-Lawyer (WmC), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:32 (fifteen years ago)

yeah "solipsism" v. "introspection" is prob a better one

The Brainwasher² = (The Brainwasher) X (The Brainwasher), Thursday, 11 November 2010 22:32 (fifteen years ago)

This is a simple question, and well-answered already.

Introspection is an act of looking for something. Self-absorption is deciding you have already found it.

Bull fighting, Paris, hunting, suicide (kenan), Thursday, 11 November 2010 23:23 (fifteen years ago)


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